This fall is a great time to visit Wisconsin. Wisconsin's fall colors are starting to show hints of their upcoming autumnal display, families and kids are back in their school routines, Wisconsin State Parks are seeing fewer crowds by the day, and yet the weather is still mild and perfectly enjoyable.

There are plenty of great things to do in Wisconsin this fall, but we think it's the perfect time to visit Madison. Madison is the state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin Madison, but there are plenty more reasons to visit this incredible city, not least of which is that it's home to some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin. 

Elevate your experience this fall, and choose to stay at one of our friendly Bed and Breakfasts. There are several in the Madison area offering unique accommodations, and most importantly they all offer exceptional service and hospitality.  Come see what Madison Wisconsin has in store for you this fall.

10 Great Things to do in Madison Wisconsin This Fall

Madison Wisconsin is a destination like no other. Your vacation can be adventure-packed, foodie-focused, or all about relaxation. Whatever it is you choose to do, you can count on a comfortable place to land from any of our member Bed and Breakfasts.  In the meantime, to help you get started planning, here are 10 of our favorite things to do in Madison Wisconsin this fall:

1. Go biking!  Madison is actually one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country and is hailed as the bike capital of the midwest. There are over 200 miles of trails to explore in and around the city.
2. Visit the Dane County Farmers Market. It's one of the biggest markets of its kind in the country, and a veritable feast for the senses each fall. Their Wednesday and Saturday markets are open for the season through early November 2019.
3. Enjoy Madison's incredible foodie scene.  Summer crowds in the capital city are starting to diminish, leaving more room in the city's most popular restaurants this fall. Madison was named in Fox News' "Unlikely Foodie Cities" article, and actually has the most restaurants per capita than any other city in the U.S. If you're short on time or don't quite know where to start, take a food tour with Madison Eats
4. Take a tour of the state capitol building in Madison. Don't forget to rub the honey badger's nose on the way in for good luck!
5. Explore Madison's lakeshore while kayaking on beautiful Lake Mendota. 
6. Visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The gardens bloom throughout all four seasons but are absolutely magical during the fall. 
7. As the sun goes down, it's time to sample Madison's local libations.  Madison is home to incredible craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. 
8. For something a little different and definitely unique to Wisconsin, visit the National Mustard Museum. Consider taking the unique mustard bites culinary tour.
9. Pick your sport and catch a game with the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Local support and enthusiasm for the Badgers are catching. Gameday in Madison is an experience like no other. 
10. Visit the Chazen Museum of Art, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, or browse Madison's extensive selection of art galleries.

The Best Places to Stay in Madison Wisconsin

No one knows more about the wonderful things to do in Wisconsin, including those unique experiences to Madison, and even things that are off-the-beaten-path, than our Innkeepers.

There are nine Bed and Breakfasts within the Madison area to choose from, each of which is licensed, inspected, and approved by our association and ready to offer you exceptional care and hospitality this fall. With so many wonderful accommodations and amenities and the best hospitality around, is it any wonder why these Inns are rated as some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin? Relax and enjoy as you seek the unique in Madison Wisconsin this fall.  

  [caption id="attachment_1941" align="aligncenter" width="413"] Lake Orchard Farm Retreat in Sheboygan, WI ~ greenhouse[/caption] Farmers’ markets in Wisconsin are legendary, so much so that even visitors make a point to include them on their fall itineraries. To further the farm connection, stay at a working farm B&B. [caption id="attachment_1338" align="alignright" width="164"] Astor House B&B in Green Bay, WI[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1903" align="alignleft" width="156"] Otter Creek Inn in Eau Claire, WI[/caption] [caption id="attachment_357" align="aligncenter" width="147"] Hotel Ruby Marie in Madison, WI[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1945" align="alignleft" width="198"] Farmers' Market in Dane County[/caption] Perhaps the most famous farmers’ market not just in Wisconsin but in the country is the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the nation’s largest producer-only market. Walk to this market on the capital square when you stay at Hotel Ruby Marie. In Oshkosh, vendors line the main street, with shoppers loading up on fruits and veggies, flowers and egg rolls, even a loaded Bloody Mary morning cocktail before doing a little shopping at the downtown boutiques. The Brayton B&B is conveniently located right downtown as well. In Appleton, stroll among 150 vendors and treat yourself to some baked goods too. Stay at the Franklin Street Inn, where an elegant breakfast can be delivered right to your suite. A bit farther north is Green Bay, where the Saturday farmers’ market dates back 100 years this year. Enjoy music while you shop before heading to your room at the Astor House B&B. If you’re staying at the 1810 Emerson House B&B in Beloit, then be sure to visit their farmers’ market in the heart of their historic downtown district. Make the connection to country life at the Eau Claire farmers’ market, then spend the night at the spacious Otter Creek Inn. [caption id="attachment_1137" align="alignleft" width="229"] Rainbow Ridge Farms in Onalaska, WI is very kid-friendly![/caption] [caption id="attachment_1735" align="alignright" width="229"] Valley Springs Farm B&B in Reedsburg, WI[/caption]                 We’re proud to have a number of farmstead inns among our membership too. There’s Lake Orchard Farm Retreat, a 6^th generation farm with on-site golf course in Sheboygan; Rainbow Ridge Farms in Onalaska, with turn-of-the-century farmhouse and 35-acre working hobby farm; and Valley Springs Farm B&B in Reedsburg, a 4^th generation dairy farm and one of the stops on this year’s “Hill and Valley Exploration Tour” in Sauk County being held the first two full weekends in October. The tour includes more than 60 activities along the way, from learning how to shear sheep to grooming a show calf to harvesting honey. Fill your cooler with fresh veggies, jellies and preserves purchased directly from the 14 participating farms.  

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

We've often touted how Wisconsin B&B Association member inns do such a great job of sourcing locally for their breakfast menus.  Bet you didn't know they carry on with that commitment long after the first snow flies.  Indoor winter farmers’ markets offer a bounty of goodies for B&B owners and home chefs alike.  The Milwaukee County Winter Farmers’ Market at State Fair Park runs through mid-April, with area vendors coming together to offer shoppers a nice selection of root vegetables, artisan cheeses, honey, maple syrup, jam, meats, eggs and pastries.  Extend the warmth by spending the night at a B&B in the region.  The Oconomowoc Winter Farmers’ Market welcomes visitors with Alterra coffee, lots of baked goods, popcorn, pickled goods, winter greens and more.  Pair that with a stay at Inn at Pine Terrace – they have quite the following for their pecan stuffed French toast. The famous Dane County Farmers’ Market moves indoors to the Madison Senior Center, where the selection is diverse and delicious,  just like the B&Bs in the Madison area.  Here’s to good eating all year long. [caption id="attachment_1040" align="alignright" width="257"] Inn at Pine Terrace, Oconomowoc.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1038" align="alignleft" width="270"] Oconomowoc Winter Farmers' Market[/caption]